Global trends and research directions of augmented reality in sports: A bibliometric and scoping review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17977/um086v4i12026p97-116Keywords:
Augmented reality, bibliometric analysis, digital sports training, scoping reviews, sports technologyAbstract
Background: Advances in digital technology have accelerated the adoption of augmented reality (AR) in sports, enhancing training quality, performance analysis, and learning experiences. However, comprehensive studies that systematically map global research trends and sport-specific applications remain limited. Objective: This study aims to analyze global trends and applications of augmented reality (AR) in sports using a mixed-method approach combining bibliometric analysis and a scoping review. Methods: Bibliographic data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, covering the period 2016–2025. Following a PRISMA-ScR-based selection process, a total of 520 articles were included. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer and ScientoPy to identify publication trends, leading contributors, sources, and keyword networks. A scoping review was performed to examine AR applications across different sports and identify emerging research directions. Result: The findings show a substantial increase in AR-related publications in sports, with a sharp growth observed after 2020. China, the United States, and Japan emerged as the most productive countries. Keyword analysis indicates strong integration between AR and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and wearable sensors. The scoping review identified nine sports adopting AR, with climbing and football being the most frequently studied. Conclusion: AR research in sports is rapidly evolving toward intelligent, data-driven training systems. In practice, these findings suggest that coaches and educators can utilize AR to enhance real-time feedback, skill acquisition, and decision-making. At the same time, developers can design more adaptive, sport-specific training systems. Future research should focus on expanding AR applications across underexplored sports and developing integrated systems that combine artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and immersive environments.
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